First of its kind on Long Island, program includes serious-purpose games for health and education; new students who apply by July 1 are eligible for $5,000 scholarship

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Brookville, N.Y. – The first graduates of the M.A. in Digital Game Design and Development at Long Island University/LIU Post will receive their diplomas at the 55th Commencement exercises Friday, May 10, 2013.

The M.A. in Digital Game Design and Development at LIU Post (formerly known as the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University) is the only program of its kind on Long Island. The 30-credit program offers hands-on practical experience in all aspects of game development including programming, visual design, interface design, and usability. Working in teams, students explore new game platforms and learn to function effectively in the daily practice of collaborative game conception, design, development and production.

The Digital Game Design Lab at LIU Post is organized with recognition that there has been a shift toward creating socially responsible games that enhance education, stimulate learning and serve the public’s need for information, according to Dr. Elena Bertozzi, associate professor of media arts in the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

“Video games can be great entertainment and great art, but they can also be powerful communication tools for educational purposes,” said Dr. Bertozzi, an award-winning game developer who created “Emergency Birth!” which teaches nursing students and non-medical professionals how to deliver a baby outside of a hospital.

Student Courtney Aiello, a school teacher from Bellmore, N.Y., and her team created a game titled “Help! I Need A Biopsy,” which guides women through the process of dealing with the stress of tests to diagnose breast cancer.

Lauren Perugini, of Coram, N.Y., and her team created “The Grammar Game,” which helps elementary students learn conjunctions through the use of playful cartoon aliens. Perguini also is the developer of "Evan’s Amazon Adventure,” an educational 3D action-adventure game that exposes children to conservation challenges in the Amazon rainforest.

Students and Dr. Bertozzi worked with Dr. Leonard Krilov's team of pediatric specialists at Winthrop University Hospital to develop “Flu Busters,” which educates children and parents in pediatric waiting rooms about how the flu vaccine works and how it helps keep people healthy. Winthrop staff said the game was highly successful in overcoming reluctance to getting the flu vaccination.

Applications are now being accepted at liu.edu/post/onlineapp for the fall 2013 cohort. Scholarships of up to $5,000 per year are available for new students who enroll by July 1. For additional information visit www.liu.edu/post/games or call the Admissions Office at (516) 299-2900.